12 things you must do in Zagreb Croatia
12 things you must do in Zagreb Croatia
Zagreb is a charming town that is large enough for a variety of things to do yet small enough that it is easy to get around and very walkable. This capital city has a lot to offer on its own but also has a great variety of day trips within just an hour or two from the city. Zagreb, being inland, is often overlooked by its coastal counterparts, but it is definitely worth a visit!
1. Zrinjevac Park and meteorological pole
This beautiful little park in the city center was busy with people hanging out, reading and having picnics. When I was there in November, lights were being hung in preparation for the upcoming Christmas markets (which locals swear that it is among the best in Europe). The park is lovely with greenery, fountains and old trees. At the north end of the park, you will find a meteorological pole. This impressive clock not only tells time but records weather conditions, temperature, and air pressure.
2. Ban Josip Jelacic Square
This Central square is bustling with a tram stop, a fountain, street performers and cafes. When I was there in November, they had vendor stalls set up in preparation for the Christmas markets. I had the best coffee at Johann Franck, in the square. this spot is a cafe and bistro by day and nightclub by evening. They have ample indoor and outdoor seating. Also near the square, you can find Zagreb 360 observation deck, a 16-floor “skyscraper” where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city with a cocktail!
3. Cathedral of the Assumption
This cathedral (aka Zagreb Cathedral) is stunning on the outside as well as the inside! You can spot this building from about anywhere in Zagreb, as it is the tallest building in Croatia. Its original construction was in 1217, however, it has undergone reconstruction over the centuries due to damage. It is currently under a 12-year restoration project.
4. Dolac Market
This market has been a tradition in Zagreb since the 1930s. It is centrally located behind the main square (Ban Josip Jelacic Square). The market is sprawling with fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, honey, cheese and more. Nearby you will find many cafes and breakfast/lunch spots to hit after a morning shopping!
5. Tkalciceva Street
Tkalciceva Street (aka “Tkalca”) is a vibrant spot for cafes, pubs, restaurants, and boutiques. You will find one restaurant after another with colorful patios overflowing with people. It doesn’t matter the time of day, this street is lively. You will not be bored here! The street also has an interesting past. It is known to be one of the first red-light districts in Europe since every house served as a brothel in the late 1800s up until 1941.
6. Zagreb Funicular
This charming funicular, circa 1890, is the shortest in the world, connecting busy Llica street to the upper town. It is also one of the steepest in the world, with an incline of 52%. It’s not too strenuous to take the stairs up to upper town but this is a must-do at least once!
7. St. Mark’s Church
This 13th-century church is a must-see, though only open for daily mass. The colorful tiled roof has the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia on the left side and the emblem of Zagreb on the right.
8. Strossmayer Promenade
Lotrscak Tower 
At the top of the funicular or stairs, whichever you choose to get there, you’ll find this artsy walking promenade with street art and food stalls and amazing views of the city! Don’t miss the Lotrscak Tower, circa 13th century. It was built to guard the southern gate of the town wall. The cannon is fired every day at noon. Continue walking the promenade toward Zagreb Cathedral to get amazing panoramic views of the city.
9. Museum of Broken Relationships
This quirky museum is dedicated to tales and objects of failed relationships, perhaps cathartic to the storytellers and visitors that can relate. There is an interesting display of about 2000 objects with unique stories to go along with them.
10. Gric Tunnel
Gric tunnel is a pedestrian tunnel located at the city center and under the neighborhood of Gric. The tunnel was built during WWII to serve as a bomb shelter. Following the war, the tunnel quickly became run down. In the early 1990s, it reopened as the location for one of Croatia’s first raves. The tunnel went under repair and re-opened in 2016 as a tourist attraction.
11. Croatian National Theatre
The Croatian National Theatre was built in 1834 and is gorgeous inside and out! There are many opportunities to attend drama, opera and ballet performances or you can simply tour the theatre. The outside is well maintained and has a beautiful lawn to walk around or to enjoy a picnic.
12. The Stone Gate
Another way to upper town is up the cobbled street and through the Stone Gate which serves as a chapel and a passageway. The story told is that there was a great fire that occurred in 1731. Despite everything burning down, a portrait of the Virgin Mary, above the stone gate, remained untouched. Seen as a miracle, the portrait was then placed inside the gate with an iron fence placed around it, for protection. It has become a great holy spot and a significant place in Zagreb to stop and say a prayer and light a candle.
